La Décolonisation Africaine (African Decolonization)

Learning ObjectivesUnderstand the concept of African decolonization.Use the imparfait (imperfect tense) to describe a past situation.Use the passé composé (past perfect tense) to talk about a key event.Learn vocabulary about history and government.Imagine finding an old map of Africa from 1950 in your grandparents' attic. 🗺️ You notice that the borders and names of many countries are different from today. Why? This lesson will help you understand this important transformation!Real-World ApplicationsBetter understand international news.Appreciate the diversity of the French-speaking world.Develop critical thinking skills about history.

French TermEnglish MeaningExampleColonie (Colony) [koh-loh-NEE]A territory governed by another, often distant, country.Avant 1960 (Before 1960) [ah-VAHN meel-nuhf-sahn swah-SAHNT], le Sénégal (Senegal) [luh say-nay-GAL] était une colonie française (was a French colony) [ay-TEH oon koh-loh-NEE frahn-SEZ].Décolonisation (Decolonization) [day-koh-loh-nee-zah-SYOHN]The moment in history when a colony becomes a free country.La décolonisation (The decolonization) [la day-koh-loh-nee-zah-SYOHN] en Afrique (in Africa) [ahn ah-FREEK] a eu lieu (took place) [ah ew LYUH] principalement (mainly) [pran-see-pal-MAHN] après 1950 (after 1950) [ah-PREH meel-nuhf-sahn san-KAHNT].Liberté (Freedom) [lee-behr-TAY]The condition of a people who can govern their own country and make their own choices.Les peuples...

1. The Imparfait (Imperfect Tense) for Describing the SceneRule: We use the imparfait to describe a situation, a state, or a habit in the past. It's like painting the background of a scene. Example: Avant (Before) [ah-VAHN], la France (France) [la frahns] gouvernait (used to govern) [goo-vehr-NEH] plusieurs pays en Afrique (several countries in Africa) [plew-ZYUR pay-EE ahn ah-FREEK]. (This was the situation)2. The Passé Composé (Past Perfect Tense) for Telling the ActionRule: We use the passé composé to talk about a specific, completed event in the past. It's the main action that changes the situation.Example: En 1960 (In 1960) [ahn meel-nuhf-sahn swah-SAHNT], ces pays (these countries) [say pay-EE] sont devenus libres (became free) [sohn duh-vuh-NEW lee-bruh]. (This is the change, the ev...